Prevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Transmitted Drug Resistance and Genetic Transmission Networks Among Newly Diagnosed People Living With HIV/AIDS in a Minority Area, China

Introduction: Transmitted drug resistance (TDR) can compromise antiretroviral therapy (ART) efficacy. We aimed to understand the molecular epidemiology of TDR and its genetic transmission networks among newly diagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH).Methods: A total of 1,318 newly diagnosed PLWH, identified in all population-based HIV screening in an HIV-affected county of a minority area of China (i.e., Butuo county), were enrolled between January 1, 2018, and November 31, 2018. HIV-1 pol gene sequences were used for phylogenetic and genotypic drug resistance analyses. The genetic transmission networks were identified.Results: The prevalence of TDR among newly diagnosed PLWH was 8.12% (107/1,318). Patients in the stage of AIDS (adjusted odds ratio, OR: 2.32) and who had a history of sharing a needle ≥5 times (adjusted OR: 3.89) were more likely to have an increased risk of TDR. The prevalence of TDR for non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) is higher than that of other inhibitors, with a relatively high prevalence of three mutations [V179D/E/DE (4.93%), K103N/KN (3.11%), and E138A/G (1.52%)]. A total of 577 (43.78%) pol sequences were involved in the genetic transmission network, with 171 clusters ranging in size from 2 to 91 pol sequences; 37.38% (40/107) of individuals carrying TDR were involved in the network, and individuals with the same TDR-associated mutations were usually cross-linked.Conclusions: Our data suggest a relatively high level of TDR and many transmission clusters among the newly diagnosed PLWH. Targeted intervention, early identification, and monitoring of resistance are warranted to reduce the TDR and prevent HIV-1 transmission in areas with a high rate of HIV-1.

Multilevel and Spatially Heterogeneous Factors Influencing Poor Households’ Income in a Frontier Minority Area in Northeast China

Increasing the income of poor rural households is essential for the realization of China’s goal of sustainable development, which entails inclusive and equitable development and reducing the developmental gap between urban and rural areas. We conducted a case study of Wangqing County, a frontier minority area in Northeast China to examine spatial patterns and income differentials among poor rural households in this area. We quantified existing associations between household-level and environmental-level characteristics and income by applying hierarchical linear models. We subsequently applied Geographically Weighted Regression to analyze the spatial heterogeneity of the environmental-level variables and develop an understanding of the interaction mechanism of influencing factors. The results revealed that the distribution of villages, where income levels were similar, showed significant spatial agglomeration characteristics. Our findings also provide empirical evidence that household- and village-level characteristics together determine the income of poor households, but that household-level characteristics determine destitution to a greater extent than environmental characteristics. More specifically, the sex, health condition, and labor capacity of the household head, household size, the dependency ratio, social welfare, and off-farm work are significantly associated with household income. At the environmental level, arable land, the distance to the county center, and the average altitude had spatially heterogeneous impacts that varied in direction and intensity. This systematic study provides a more comprehensive and integrated understanding of the factors influencing the income of poor households in a frontier minority area in Northeast China.

Public Opinion of Ethnic Minority Area in Northern Vietnam in the Context of Globalization

Researching public opinion in ethnic minority areas of Vietnam in general and ethnic minority area of Northern Vietnam in particular to understand what people are desiring is essential. Ethnic minorities in Northern Vietnam are not only concerned with the urgent issues associated with their daily lives, but also diverse social issues in an age where communication is strongly developing. People always show dynamism and activeness in practices related to public opinion. And remarkably, in this picture, there is no clear slice between modern elements of the globalization context and traditional elements. Views that ethnic minorities are always passive need to be revised. It is necessary to create conditions for people to participate more effectively in the policy making process.

DYNAMICS OF DA’WAH COMMUNICATION IN THE MINORITY OF TORAJA MUSLIM

This study discusses the dynamics of da'wah communication that occurs in the Muslim minority area of Tana Toraja. The main problem discussed was how the dynamics of da'wah communication in the Muslim minority area of Tana Toraja. This research is a qualitative research, with a phenomenological approach in the context of da'wah and communication. Data collection was carried out by observation, interviews, and literature review. The data analysis technique was carried out, referring to the data analysis principles put forward by Miles and Huberman. It offers an interactive model analysis system, which consists of three components, namely data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions. The research suggested that the dynamics of da'wah communication in the Muslim minority areas of Toraja experienced five phases with different dynamics, namely the pre-colonial era, the colonial era, the independence era, the New Order era, and the reform era.